Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platform

ABSTRACT

A self-propelled elevating work platform comprises a first workbench, a second workbench and a third workbench enclosed and connected on a conical column from the bottom to the top sequentially. Each workbench comprises at least two supporting frames which can be connected to form a circular shape. Retractable elements are disposed between any two of the adjacent workbenches. An anti-slip element is disposed on an inner side of each of the supporting frames, and each of the anti-slip elements can move radially relative to the conical column. Thereby, when any two of the workbenches are fixed by the anti-slip elements, the other workbench can be driven by the retractable elements to move up and down. Each of the workbenches can be pulled or pushed in order to move up or down gradually, so that the worker on the third workbench can work on the surface of the conical column.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a self-propelled elevating work platform and more particularly to a work platform for enclosing and connecting on a conical column such as the supporting column of a wind turbine or an incinerator funnel, and the work platform is retractable upwardly and downwardly in order to be self-propelled to move up and down. Therefore, the surface the conical column can be worked on.

2. Related Art

Common supporting column of a wind turbine or an incinerator funnel itself are conical in shape and the height can go up to tens of meters. Such enormous and high constructions and the outer surfaces are troublesome to install or to work on.

Generally, crane with suspended nacelle are used for painting the outer surface of a tall conical column. The nacelle is where the workers stay to carry out the painting. Or, steel chains are used to fix a rail on the outer surface section by section, so that a work platform can be moved up and down along the rail for the workers on the platform to do the painting. Alternatively, positioning frames are fixed atop the supporting column or funnel, and steel cables are connected to the frames for suspending an elevating work platform, so that the workers on the suspended work platform can do the job.

However, besides that the above aforementioned methods require long operating hours, safety is also a big problem. Because wind turbines are installed near oceans and the winds can be dangerous for workers. Regardless of either the method using crane and nacelle, or the method using steel cables with suspended work platform, they are both dangerous especially because of strong winds brought by northeast monsoons. Therefore, it will be impossible to carry out maintenance work for the outer surface of conical column during this season.

In view of the above problems, a self-propelled elevating work platform of the present invention is provided for improving the drawbacks. The self-propelled elevating work platform is very different from the conventional devices, not only that it can be used to work on the outer surface of conical column without damaging the surface, it can also ensure the safety of workers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a self-propelled elevating work platform. By having part of the work platform fixed on a conical column by friction, and using an upwardly and downwardly retractable structure of the work platform; thereby, an outer surface of the conical column can be maintained without damaging the surface, and the work platform can be fixed securely and prevented from slipping downward in order to ensure safety.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, a self-propelled elevating work platform of the present invention comprises a first workbench, a second workbench, at least two first retractable elements, a third workbench and at least two second retractable elements. The first workbench comprises at least two first supporting frames, each of the first supporting frames is connected by screws to form a circular shape for enclosing and connecting on a conical column. A first anti-slip element is disposed on an inner side of each of the first supporting frames, each of the first anti-slip elements can move radially relative to the conical column, and each of the first supporting frames can be fixed on the conical column by the first anti-slip elements. The second workbench comprises at least two second supporting frames, and each of the second supporting frames is also connected by screws to form a circular shape for enclosing and connecting on the conical column. The second workbench is disposed above the first workbench. A second anti-slip element is disposed on an inner side of each of the second supporting frames, each of the second anti-slip elements can move radially relative to the conical column, and each of the second supporting frames can be fixed on the conical column by the second anti-slip elements. Bottom ends of the first retractable elements are connected with the first supporting frames, and top ends of the first retractable elements are connected with the second supporting frames. Thereby, by the extending or retracting of the first retractable elements, the first workbench and the second workbench can move upward and downward relatively to each other. The third workbench comprises at least two third supporting frames, and each of the third supporting frames is also connected by screws to form a circular shape for enclosing and connecting on the conical column. The third workbench is disposed above the second workbench. A third anti-slip element is disposed on an inner side of each of the third supporting frames, each of the third anti-slip elements can move radially relative to the conical column, and each of the third supporting frames can be fixed on the conical column by the third anti-slip elements. Bottom ends of the second retractable elements are connected with the second supporting frames, and top ends of the second retractable elements are connected with the third supporting frames. Thereby, by the extending or retracting of the second retractable elements, the second workbench and the third workbench can move upward and downward relatively to each other.

When the self-propelled elevating work platform is embodied, the first anti-slip elements are connected to first driving elements, the second anti-slip elements are connected to second driving elements and the third anti-slip elements are connected to third driving elements. The first driving elements, the second driving elements and the third driving elements drive the first anti-slip elements, the second anti-slip elements and the third anti-slip elements to move radially relative to the conical column in order to lock the workbenches securely and to prevent the workbenches from slipping downward.

When the self-propelled elevating work platform is embodied, the first driving elements, the second driving elements and the third driving elements are power cylinders.

When the self-propelled elevating work platform is embodied, each of the third supporting frames comprises a flat plate and a vertical guardrail, and the vertical guardrail is connected with an outer edge of the flat plate.

When the self-propelled elevating work platform is embodied, each of the first anti-slip elements, the second anti-slip elements and the third anti-slip elements are an arc-shaped brake plate respectively.

When the self-propelled elevating work platform is embodied, the first retractable elements, the second retractable elements and the third retractable elements are power cylinders respectively.

When the self-propelled elevating work platform is embodied, an outer side of the third supporting frames is further disposed with a horizontally extended positioning plate based on the requirements, and a positioning groove is disposed on the positioning plate.

The present invention will become more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description thereof when read in conjunction with the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 are exploded perspective views of a self-propelled elevating work platform according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a sectional assembly view of the self-propelled elevating work platform according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4 to 6 are illustrations of application of the self-propelled elevating work platform according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a sectional assembly view of third supporting frames of the present invention disposed with a positioning plate; and

FIG. 7A is a top view of the positioning plate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 to 3 are illustrations of a self-propelled elevating work platform 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The self-propelled elevating work platform 1 comprises a first workbench 2, a second workbench 3, a third workbench 4, at least two first retractable elements 5 and at least two second retractable elements 6.

The first workbench 2 comprises six arc-shaped first supporting frames 21, and the adjacent first supporting frames 21 are connected with each other by screws to form a circular shape. When the self-propelled elevating work platform 1 is embodied, the first supporting frames 21 can be in any quantity more than two, and any quantity of the first supporting frames 21 can be connected with each other by screws to form the circular shape. An inner edge of each of the first supporting frames 21 is disposed with an arc-shaped brake plate which is a first anti-slip element 22. A concave arc surface of the first anti-slip element 22 faces the center of the circular shape, and a convex arc surface of the first anti-slip element 22 is connected with a power cylinder which is a first driving element 23.

The second workbench 3 is disposed above the first workbench 2. The second workbench 3 comprises six arc-shaped second supporting frames 31, and the adjacent second supporting frames 31 are connected with each other by screws to form a circular shape. When the self-propelled elevating work platform 1 is embodied, the second supporting frames 31 can be in any quantity more than two, and any quantity of the second supporting frames 31 can be connected with each other by screws to form the circular shape. An inner edge of each of the second supporting frames 31 is disposed with an arc-shaped brake plate which is a second anti-slip element 32. A concave arc surface of the second anti-slip element 32 faces the center of the circular shape, and a convex arc surface of the second anti-slip element 32 is connected with a power cylinder which is a second driving element 33.

The third workbench 4 is disposed above the second workbench 3. The third workbench 4 comprises six arc-shaped third supporting frames 41, and the adjacent third supporting frames 41 are connected with each other by screws to form a circular shape. When the self-propelled elevating work platform 1 is embodied, the third supporting frames 41 can be in any quantity more than two, and any quantity of the third supporting frames 41 can be connected with each other by screws to form the circular shape. An inner edge of each of the third supporting frames 41 is disposed with an arc-shaped brake plate which is a third anti-slip element 42. A concave arc surface of the third anti-slip element 42 faces the center of the circular shape, and a convex arc surface of the third anti-slip element 42 is connected with a power cylinder which is a third driving element 43. Furthermore, each of the third supporting frames 41 comprises a flat plate 411 and a vertical guardrail 412, and the vertical guardrail 412 is connected with an outer edge of the flat plate 411.

Bottom ends of the first retractable elements 5 are connected with top surfaces of the first supporting frames 21, and top ends of the first retractable elements 5 are connected with bottom surfaces of the second supporting frames 31. Bottom ends of the second retractable elements 6 are connected with top surfaces of the second supporting frames 31, and top ends of the second retractable elements 6 are connected with bottom surfaces of the third supporting frames 41.

When the self-propelled elevating work platform 1 is embodied, the first driving elements 23, the second driving elements 33, the third driving elements 43, the first retractable elements 5 and the second retractable elements 6 are hydraulic cylinders. The first driving elements 23, the second driving elements 33, the third driving elements 43, the first retractable elements 5 and the second retractable elements 6 can also be pneumatic cylinders. The first driving elements 23, the second driving elements 33, the third driving elements 43, the first retractable elements 5 and the second retractable elements 6 can also be a combination of servo motor, nut and screw. The servo motor is connected with the screw, the nut is screwed together with the screw, and the nut is connected to the anti-slip element. The first driving elements 23, the second driving elements 33, the third driving elements 43, the first retractable elements 5 and the second retractable elements 6 can also be a mechanical linkage structure, such as using a cylinder to drive a plurality of connecting rods. The connecting rods then push the first anti-slip elements 22, the second anti-slip elements 32 and the third anti-slip elements 42 to move toward the center of the circular shape enclosed by the first workbench 2, the second workbench 3 and the third workbench 4. When the self-propelled elevating work platform 1 is embodied, any one of the first anti-slip elements 22, the second anti-slip elements 32 and the third anti-slip elements 42 can also comprise two arc-shaped brake plates disposed on a same vertical surface, or two arc-shaped brake plates disposed on a same horizontal surface.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the first workbench 2, the second workbench 3 and the third workbench 4 are enclosed and connected on a conical column 9 such as the supporting column of wind turbine or an incinerator funnel from the bottom to the top sequentially, and the first anti-slip elements 22, the second anti-slip elements 32 and the third anti-slip elements 42 move radially relative to the conical column 9; the first workbench 2, the second workbench 3 and the third workbench 4 are therefore locked securely on the outer surface of the conical column 9. When the third driving elements 43 drive the third anti-slip elements 42 to detach from the outer surface of the conical column 9, the second retractable elements 6 extend upward and the third workbench 4 moves upward.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the first anti-slip elements 22 and the third anti-slip elements 42 are locked securely on the outer surface of the conical column 9, and the second anti-slip elements 32 are detached from the outer surface of the conical column 9; the second workbench 3 will move upward by the extending of the first retractable elements 5 and the retraction of second retractable elements 6. As shown in FIG. 6, when the second anti-slip elements 32 and the third anti-slip elements 42 are locked securely on the outer surface of the conical column 9, and the first anti-slip elements 22 are detached from the outer surface of the conical column 9; the first workbench 2 will move upward by the retraction of first retractable elements 5. Based on the repeated motions mentioned above, the worker standing on the third workbench 4 can work on the outer surface of the conical column 9 either from the bottom to the top or from the top to the bottom.

After the worker has finished working on the outer surface of the conical column 9, the aforementioned motions are carried out reversely to move the first workbench 2, the second workbench 3 and the third workbench 4 downward sequentially back to the previous lower location of the conical column 9.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 7A, the third supporting frames 41 of the third workbench 4 are further disposed with a horizontally extended positioning plate 44 and a positioning groove 441 is disposed on the positioning plate 44. Thereby, when the third workbench 4 has reached the top of the wind turbine, a blade 91 of the wind turbine can be fixed inside the positioning groove 441. Therefore, it will be convenient for the worker to carry out painting or maintenance for the blade 91.

Furthermore, when the conical column 9 is being built upwardly by sections, the circular anti-slip elements can be locked securely on an upper section and a lower section of the conical column 9 for performing welding, and the anti-slip elements can move upward and position securely along the outer surface of the conical column 9 during the movements of the workbenches.

Therefore, the self-propelled elevating work platform of the present invention has the following advantages:

1. Not only that the present invention can be used to work on the outer surface of a conical column without damaging the surface, it can also ensure the safety of workers by securing the workbenches firmly on the outer surface of conical column.

2. When the present invention is applied in constructing an upper section and a lower section of the conical column of a wind turbine near oceans, the sections can be clamped and positioned securely by the present invention through the anti-slip elements. Therefore, the unstable swaying problem of using a crane is prevented and both safety and assembling efficiency of the conical column can be enhanced.

3. The problems of the conventional and unsafe methods of using crane and nacelle, or using steel cables with suspended work platform are improved by the present invention. Safety and work efficiency are therefore enhanced.

According to the disclosure mentioned above, the self-propelled elevating work platform of the present invention can achieve the objectives. Not only that the present invention can be used to work on the outer surface of a conical column without damaging the surface, it can also ensure the safety of workers and enhance the assembling efficiency of the conical column of a wind turbine.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, many modifications and variations may be made by those skilled in the art from the teachings disclosed hereinabove. Therefore, it should be understood that any modification and variation equivalent to the spirit of the present invention be regarded to fall into the scope defined by the appended claims. 

1. A self-propelled elevating work platform, comprising: a first workbench comprising at least two first supporting frames, each of the first supporting frames being connected to form a circular shape for enclosing and connecting on a conical column, a first anti-slip element being disposed on an inner side of each of the first supporting frames, each of the first anti-slip elements moving radially relative to the conical column, and each of the first supporting frames being fixed securely on the conical column by the first anti-slip elements; a second workbench comprising at least two second supporting frames, each of the second supporting frames being connected to form a circular shape for enclosing and connecting on the conical column, the second workbench being disposed above the first workbench, a second anti-slip element being disposed on an inner side of each of the second supporting frames, each of the second anti-slip elements moving radially relative to the conical column, each of the second supporting frames being fixed on the conical column by the second anti-slip elements; at least two first retractable elements, bottom ends of the first retractable elements being connected with the first supporting frames, top ends of the first retractable elements being connected with the second supporting frames, when the first workbench or the second workbench being positioned on the conical column, by the extending or retracting of the first retractable elements, the first workbench and the second workbench moving upward and downward relatively to each other; a third workbench comprising at least two third supporting frames, each of the third supporting frames being connected to form a circular shape for enclosing and connecting on the conical column, the third workbench being disposed above the second workbench, a third anti-slip element being disposed on an inner side of each of the third supporting frames, each of the third anti-slip elements moving radially relative to the conical column, each of the third supporting frames being fixed on the conical column by the third anti-slip elements; and at least two second retractable elements, bottom ends of the second retractable elements being connected with the second supporting frames, top ends of the second retractable elements being connected with the third supporting frames, when the second workbench or the third workbench being positioned on the conical column, by the extending or retracting of the second retractable elements, the second workbench and the third workbench moving upward and downward relatively to each other.
 2. The self-propelled elevating work platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first anti-slip element is connected to a first driving element, the second anti-slip element is connected to a second driving element and the third anti-slip element is connected to a third driving element, the first driving element, the second driving element and the third driving element drive the first anti-slip element, the second anti-slip element and the third anti-slip element to move radially relative to the conical column.
 3. The self-propelled elevating work platform as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first driving element, the second driving element and the third driving element are power cylinders respectively.
 4. The self-propelled elevating work platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third supporting frame comprises a flat plate and a vertical guardrail, the vertical guardrail is connected with an outer edge of the flat plate.
 5. The self-propelled elevating work platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first anti-slip element, the second anti-slip element and the third anti-slip element are an arc-shaped brake plate respectively.
 6. The self-propelled elevating work platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first retractable element, the second retractable element and the third retractable element are power cylinders respectively.
 7. The self-propelled elevating work platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third supporting frame is disposed with a horizontally extended positioning plate, and a positioning groove is disposed on the positioning plate.
 8. The self-propelled elevating work platform as claimed in claim 2, wherein the third supporting frame comprises a flat plate and a vertical guardrail, the vertical guardrail is connected with an outer edge of the flat plate.
 9. The self-propelled elevating work platform as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first anti-slip element, the second anti-slip element and the third anti-slip element are an arc-shaped brake plate respectively.
 10. The self-propelled elevating work platform as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first retractable element, the second retractable element and the third retractable element are power cylinders respectively.
 11. The self-propelled elevating work platform as claimed in claim 2, wherein the third supporting frame is disposed with a horizontally extended positioning plate, and a positioning groove is disposed on the positioning plate. 